Packaged With Love

A gift like no other

Aran was always a bit of a prankster. That’s what attracted Jenny to him in the first place. His joie-de- vivre and easy-going nature were a welcome change from the sensitive, jilted souls that seemed to have fallen into her lap since her divorce 5 years ago.

She was beginning to think every remaining man on planet Earth had issues. Whether they were still reeling from their ex ditching them — and having zero sense of accountability for any part of the demise — or quickly feigning love then disappearing into thin air, Jenny was starting to think she was the problem.

There were days she would wish the floor would open and swallow her up rather than the sky deliver another jerk into her lap.

They always looked and sounded like the perfect match — online. The suitor spewed all the right answers to her probing yet tactful questions. They appeared sweet, caring, and gentlemanly souls.

Until she met them in person.

Whether it was flippantly diverting the subject to focus the conversation entirely on themselves, having a pet peeve against cats or more interest in getting her between the sheets on the first date, invariably something would happen to set a cacophony of alarm bells screaming at Jenny to run.

Fast.

Jenny was the first to admit to not being perfect; far from it! Her body had succumbed to the wonders of childbirth and her skin sagged in places she wished it wouldn’t from the weight of time. Her youthful suppleness had diminished with the jaws of aging and the desire to spend more time horizontal than vertical was a testament to hitting the late fifties — and being single; lonely.

But she wasn’t going to settle for anything less than what her heart desired: a fun, outgoing man with strong family values, a sense of humor, and wholesome nature.

That’s precisely what Jenny loved about Aran.

Ironically they didn’t meet online; they literally bumped into each other in the hardware store. It was a dismal Saturday morning and they were both perusing color swatches in the paint department.

Well, he wasn’t, really. Aran happened to be walking past Jenny as she held up the burgundy and grey paint strips, clearly in a dilemma about which one to choose. He was instantly attracted to her casual and delightfully messy look and her scrunched-up face of bewilderment.

“I’d go for the burgundy if I was you!”

“Oh, really?” replied Jenny, surprised someone was offering an opinion when she clearly hadn’t asked for one. “But isn’t it a bit too bold?”

“Not at all! Burgundy is the color of the most exquisite red wines — and it’s all the rage. It will warm your soul, especially on a crappy day like today.”

“You got that right! So, do you paint as well as give decorating advice?”

And that was how it all started. 18 weeks ago.

Tonight, they were celebrating their anniversary. Aran’s quirkiness had stolen Jenny’s heart the second she met him. He was different; respectful, kind, and hilariously funny. He adored her from her dandruff to her bunions; she thought he was the cats’ whiskers.

When Jenny got home from work, a large suspicious-looking box was plonked in the middle of the living room floor. It had been carefully wrapped with brown paper and a huge burgundy bow adorned the top.

Jenny was bemused. Aran had surprised her two weeks ago with a candle-filled house for their sweet 16th and just last week had bought her sunflowers. He was hell-bent on buying her small gifts that reportedly represented anniversaries.

But this was a rather large present. What was he up to this week? She opened the card attached to the pretty bow.

Roses are burgundy — your walls are too It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with you 18 weeks have magically passed You are now part of my beating heart In anniversary years, porcelain is the gift to give And this item is essential for us all to live I know yours is showing some wear and tear I’ll install and clean it — I swear You can’t flush me away though — I’m here to stay Ain’t this gift better than a large bouquet?

Love ya!

Aran

This story was first published in Vocal Media as an entry into their ‘Packaged with Love” Summer fiction writing contest.